Cardamon (Elettaria cardamomum)
Location: Cardamon is cultivated mainly in India and Sri Lanka.
Extraction: Steam distilled from the seeds.
Colour and Odour: The essential oil is pale yellow with an agreeable, warm, spicy sweet aroma.
Description: A leafy stemmed shrub with very long leaves from 30-75cm long and has pale yellow flowers. The fruits are oval and greyish in colour, about 1.25cm long, and contain dark brown seeds.
Background: Cardamon has a long history of use in India. Also known to the ancient Egyptians and used by the Greeks and the Romans. The Arabs later also recognised its digestive properties, often grinding it in their coffee. Cardamon is popular in Eastern European countries.
Properties: Warming, tonic, stimulant, refreshing, invigorating, digestive.
Uses
Digestive System-A digestive aid, cardamon corrects indigestion. It is good for flatulence and freshens the breath. Cardamon is mainly recommended for chronic indigestion with bloating, belching and hiccups. It is an effective remedy for heartburn as it relieves pressure in the chest caused by a swollen stomach pressing on the diaphragm.
Urinary System-As a diuretic, cardamon can help remedy urine retention.
Emotion-Cardamon's distinct, uplifting and lightening effect helps clear the mind of confusion. Can help stimulate the mind to enable clear thinking.
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